- How social are you? Using social media
- The Ettore story Lee speaks to Diane Smahilk
- How hard are you working? By Steve Blyth
- Myth busting with Perry Let’s talk water fed poles
- Free online marketing guide Promoting your business on the internet
- WCM talks to MWCoA Master Window Cleaners of America
- Plus much, much more.... Click here or the magazine cover. Members go here.
Window Cleaning & Water fed pole information from around the world. Your Window Cleaner in Mallorca.
Showing posts with label MWCoA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MWCoA. Show all posts
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Window Cleaning Magazine January Issue
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Thursday, 4 November 2010
USA Window Cleaning Seminars & Conferences - Only Days Away!
Important Change in MWCoA Seminar: Kraig Dyer (President) advises that due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances the Master Window Cleaners of America (MWCoA) are making a change for the upcoming seminar on November 6th in Dallas/Plano.
The seminar will be held at the following location:
Event1013
1013 E. 15th St.
Plano, Texas 75074
This location is better, closer to the event hotel and on the Dart rail line. The event is free, the MWCoA just ask that you register here. Full details were mentioned in a previous blog here.
The Master Cleaners of America conference (MWCoA) Dallas, Texas FREE Seminar: LOCATION: Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074. Confirm Your Attendance here with the President. The definite window cleaning event to attend.Schedule of Events Saturday November 6th:
- 8:30 AM Meet and Greet.
- 9:00 AM Fantastic & FREE Advertising Methods - Jack Nelson - Founder and Former Director MWCoA.
- 9:30 AM The Importance of Customer Retention with Kraig Dyer, President Master Window Cleaners of America.
- 10:15 AM The Power of Pure Water Technology - Shawn Gavin, Pure Water & WFP Expert
- 11:15 AM Grow Your Business To Multi-Crews with Mike Draper, J. Racenstein Rep.
- Noon Lunch Break Lunch break at Best Western Park Suites * FREE to all attendees *
- 12:45 PM WFP Demomstration at Best Western Hotel with Mike Draper - JRC and Shawn Gavin - Reach Higher Ground.
- 2:00 PM Round Table Discussion on Fabricating Debris Issues.
- 3:30 PM Increase Your Income With Add-Ons with Kris Weigal, NanoPhase Technologies.
- 4:00 PM Jeff Flint, Envicoat 25 minutes
- 4:30 PM Q & A Session Followed by Door Prizes Given Away *Must be present to win*
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Access the largest cleaning educational conference in the world, when you attend ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America 2010 in Orlando, FL, USA, 9-12 November.
More than 40 industry specific sessions and networking events will cover topics from protecting public health and green cleaning to business forecasting, cleaning supervision techniques and customer service tips. Plus, more than 40 additional sessions are available via co-located conventions by the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) and International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), which host their international events in conjunction with ISSA/INTERCLEAN.
Download a convention brochure and register today. ISSA members receive special registration discounts. All registrants gain access to a special keynote address by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Window Cleaning Events, Jobs & Flyers

The Master Cleaners of America conference (MWCoA) Dallas, Texas FREE Seminar: LOCATION: Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074. Confirm Your Attendance here with the President. The definite window cleaning event to attend.Schedule of Events Saturday November 6th:
- 8:30 AM Meet and Greet.
- 9:00 AM Fantastic & FREE Advertising Methods - Jack Nelson - Founder and Former Director MWCoA.
- 9:30 AM The Importance of Customer Retention with Kraig Dyer, President Master Window Cleaners of America.
- 10:15 AM The Power of Pure Water Technology - Shawn Gavin, Pure Water & WFP Expert
- 11:15 AM Grow Your Business To Multi-Crews with Mike Draper, J. Racenstein Rep.
- Noon Lunch Break Lunch break at Best Western Park Suites * FREE to all attendees *
- 12:45 PM WFP Demomstration at Best Western Hotel with Mike Draper - JRC and Shawn Gavin - Reach Higher Ground.
- 2:00 PM Round Table Discussion on Fabricating Debris Issues.
- 3:30 PM Increase Your Income With Add-Ons with Kris Weigal, NanoPhase Technologies.
- 4:00 PM Jeff Flint, Envicoat 25 minutes
- 4:30 PM Q & A Session Followed by Door Prizes Given Away *Must be present to win*
September 29th and 30th 2010, Charlotte, South Carolina.. Please join Window Cleaning Resource teaming up with the National Cleaning Expo', piggy backing on the CETA show, September 29th and 30th in Charlotte, SC. This will be our last event for this year and we have ALOT of amazing and exciting things planned. With hundreds of attendees already confirmed and over 65 vendors, it is a must, even for the networking alone! Please stop by the Window Cleaning Resource booth and visit us!Hands On Tools! Everybody would love to get their hands on each piece of equipment they buy, but sometimes it's not always that easy. Now it is! We will have Pure Water Carts by IPC Eagle and Waterfed Poles by Facelift, Gardiner and SimPole. We will also have great deals on waterfed pole equipment and pure water carts. There will also be LIVE hands on demos so you can actually get these things in your hands and see what works best for you.
Great Deals! There will also be scratch
glass removal demos courtesy of GlassRenu in the Window Cleaning Resource booth. If you've been thinking about getting into scratch glass removal this is the time of year to do it. GlassRenu has hooked us up with a special offer just for National Cleaning Expo attendees. We will be selling GlassRenu machines, contractor grade, for only $995! That's $1200 off of the normal price of $2100!Giveaways! Giveaways! Giveaways! You won't want to miss what we're giving away at this event. Look out for a SimPole Waterfed Pole Giveaway along with a hand tool starter kit giveaway. Not to mention National Cleaning Expo will be giving away an $11,000 Hot Water Pressure Washer Unit. Sign up here.

PULIRE EURASIA: Free entry - 30 of September till the 2 of October, 2010: An Innovative and Interactive Platform for the Euro Asian Cleaning Industry. Pulire Eurasia provides an innovative platform to experience new technologies and solutions at an international level in the cleaning industry. It is a strategic place for companies with consolidated operations in the Eurasia region and also for those looking to expand their commercial interests in this region. “Pulire Eurasia” places itself in the global exhibition network of the cleaning industry as a standpoint for accessing the market in South-Eastern Europe, the Gulf region, Middle East and Central Asia. Turkey is one of the main producers and exporters of technology in the cleaning sector.
Ausclean is a unique opportunity for companies in the cleaning and support services industries to market, sell and promote their products and services. If you are involved in the cleaning or building maintenance industries, don’t miss the 15th biennial Ausclean incorporating BSM Expo taking place at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney, Australia from 27-28 September 2010. Ausclean incorporating BSM Expo 2010 will provide a unique opportunity for you to interact with and sell to the whole spectrum of professionals linked to cleaning and maintenance of buildings and venues.Ausclean, Australia’s longest running and most recognised cleaning exhibition. Held once every two years, Ausclean attracts thousands of key decision-makers from businesses, local councils, government departments, major venues and the health, hospitality and tourism industries. Many of the attendees are responsible for the maintenance and management of large-scale facilities including industrial, commercial, hospitality and retail buildings.
CLEAN 2010: 26th -28th September - Reed Exhibitions, in association with CLEAN Middle East, is pleased to invite all cleaning professionals to the sparkling new launch of the Middle East Cleaning Exhibition 2010 (CLEAN 2010). Held in Dubai, the established center for commerce in the Middle East, the three-day exhibition and conference will bring together companies with existing operations in the region with international players who are looking to reach out to new markets. The Middle East Cleaning Exhibition 2010 (CLEAN 2010) is the only regional platform dedicated to gather international players from the global cleaning and environmental hygiene industry to showcase technologies, products and processes. Held in Dubai, the established center for commerce in the Middle East, the three-day exhibition and conference will bring together companies with existing operations in the region with international players looking to reach new markets.Formerly known as Gulf-Cleantech, CLEAN 2010 features a new look and a more comprehensive profile to firm up its market position. The event is organised in association with CLEAN Middle East magazine, the first industry magazine in the region with a readership of 15,000 professionals and buyers. The cooperation is expected to create show awareness among qualified buyers from various economic sectors such as facility management, food safety, laundry, residential and industrial, public health, municipalities and government agencies among others. CLEAN 2010 introduces new marketing facilities that are focused on innovative communication approaches to attract providers and their targeted audience. In addition to an international network that will complement efforts to make the show a success, Reed Exhibitions has pioneered a networking program that will facilitate an effective matching of business interests among participants of the show.
ProClean Ireland - 13th & 14th October - presents a unique environment in which to do business. The event is the only place where you can meet face to face with other cleaning industry professionals, all looking to source the latest products, services and innovations within the Cleaning Industry. Organised by Opus Business Media Ltd, who have over 45 years of experience within the Cleaning Industry, ProClean Ireland will see the introduction of new and exciting feature areas and an educational content to ensure the event meets the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. Exhibitors will include Manufacturers, Distributors and Support Service Organisations. The two day exhibition is an ideal opportunity to reach key buyers, specifiers and decision makers within the industry.ProClean Ireland will deliver the audience you want to see.
Prevent Accidents – Get Proper Safety Training - IWCA Hands-On Safety Training. Chicago – October 8. Register now here. OSHA research concluded that 100% of window cleaning accidents might be eliminated with proper attention to the application of equipment, and the proper training of window cleaning professionals. Learning proper window cleaning safety techniques is important for everyone, NOT just for those who utilize Rope Descent Systems or Suspended Scaffolds. If you specialize in residential or commercial/ground window cleaning, it is essential that you have proper safety training. Did you know that the majority of window cleaning accidents occur while using ladders? Are you utilizing water-fed poles in your business? Do you know the best practices and safe techniques to ensure you are using them effectively? Learn how to keep your employees safe and in turn keep your productivity up and your costs down. Also, learn more about the International Window Cleaning Association and how it can help you in your day-to-day business.SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast and Introductions
- 8-10 a.m. Plan Ahead for Safety
- 10 a.m. -Noon Working Safely around High Rise with Rope Descending Systems (RDS)
- 12-12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1- 4 p.m. Working Safety Around Route/Residential
- Hands-on demonstrations: Self-rescue - Ladder Safety - Aerial Lift Safety
- 4:00 p.m. Glass Fabrication Awareness
FEES
IWCA Member Registration Fees $129.00
Non-Member Registration Fees $189.00
10 or more Additional Registrations $119.00
ISSA/INTERCLEAN 9 - 12th November 2010 - Orlando, Florida - is the number one trade fair formula in the professional cleaning industry, jointly organised by Amsterdam RAI and its alliance partner ISSA, the leading cleaning industry association worldwide. No other trade shows bring such a wide range of resources related to the cleaning industry together under one roof. Whether you're looking to find suppliers or distributors, expand your company's global presence, solidify customer relationships, stay ahead of industry trends, or network with your peers, ISSA/INTERCLEAN trade shows provide these opportunities—and much more, in venues around the globe! This site offers you access to dedicated sites on our ISSA/INTERCLEAN events worldwide. In the menu on the left you can select the exhibition of your choice for detailed information.
Memorial Service for Don Chute:
When - Friday, October 1, 2010 - 2:00pm
Where - Georgia Governor's Mansion, 391 West Paces Ferry Road, Northwest Atlanta, Georgia. Tel: 404-261-1776
Dress: Nice Casual (No neckties) Party into Paradise.
Don's wake following the memorial service is at the Woodbine Station Clubhouse, Corner of Sandy Plains Rd. & Pebble Hill Dr. Marietta, GA 30062
Designated Driver shuttles to/from hotels.
JOBS:
Racenstein are opening a job position in Secaucus, NJ this month. This would be an "in office" job helping out with the inbound phones as well as picking up the phone calling window cleaning companies trying to develop their personal "book" of accounts. If you know somebody in North Jersey that enjoys sales (and is someone that has that personality where you might like to buy from them) send them Steves way for an interview. 8 to 4:30, 9 to 5:30 or 10 to 6:30. Likely to be 3 weeks in the office and 1 week out visiting window cleaners. Contact: Steve Blyth on helpdesk@jracenstein.com
Vikan are market leaders in the manufacturing of high quality, food grade cleaning equipment and microfibre systems into the UK market. We are seeking a highly motivated sales professional, located within easy access of the M25. Previous field sales experience is essential and knowledge of the food and healthcare industries would be a distinct advantage. More importantly, you must be able to demonstrate a proven record of success, be a proactive self starter, with a high customer service ethic. A key focus of the role will be the development of our existing distributor network along with identifying new business opportunities. A consultative and conceptual selling approach will aid your success which will be driven through your strong relationships with customers as you add real value to their business. In return we offer an excellent package to include a competitive salary, plus target based bonus scheme, company car and all the benefits associated with a successful market leader. Please send your application along with an up to date CV to: mbennett@vikan.co.uk

Paul McQuillan gives away another flyer created for window cleaning. This flyer is totally editable and comes in a Word document as well as PSD for those of you using Photoshop. Click the picture above to take you there. Sign up for free, for all Pauls templates.
IWCA Member Registration Fees $129.00
Non-Member Registration Fees $189.00
10 or more Additional Registrations $119.00
ISSA/INTERCLEAN 9 - 12th November 2010 - Orlando, Florida - is the number one trade fair formula in the professional cleaning industry, jointly organised by Amsterdam RAI and its alliance partner ISSA, the leading cleaning industry association worldwide. No other trade shows bring such a wide range of resources related to the cleaning industry together under one roof. Whether you're looking to find suppliers or distributors, expand your company's global presence, solidify customer relationships, stay ahead of industry trends, or network with your peers, ISSA/INTERCLEAN trade shows provide these opportunities—and much more, in venues around the globe! This site offers you access to dedicated sites on our ISSA/INTERCLEAN events worldwide. In the menu on the left you can select the exhibition of your choice for detailed information.
Memorial Service for Don Chute:When - Friday, October 1, 2010 - 2:00pm
Where - Georgia Governor's Mansion, 391 West Paces Ferry Road, Northwest Atlanta, Georgia. Tel: 404-261-1776
Dress: Nice Casual (No neckties) Party into Paradise.
Don's wake following the memorial service is at the Woodbine Station Clubhouse, Corner of Sandy Plains Rd. & Pebble Hill Dr. Marietta, GA 30062
Designated Driver shuttles to/from hotels.
JOBS:
Racenstein are opening a job position in Secaucus, NJ this month. This would be an "in office" job helping out with the inbound phones as well as picking up the phone calling window cleaning companies trying to develop their personal "book" of accounts. If you know somebody in North Jersey that enjoys sales (and is someone that has that personality where you might like to buy from them) send them Steves way for an interview. 8 to 4:30, 9 to 5:30 or 10 to 6:30. Likely to be 3 weeks in the office and 1 week out visiting window cleaners. Contact: Steve Blyth on helpdesk@jracenstein.com
Vikan are market leaders in the manufacturing of high quality, food grade cleaning equipment and microfibre systems into the UK market. We are seeking a highly motivated sales professional, located within easy access of the M25. Previous field sales experience is essential and knowledge of the food and healthcare industries would be a distinct advantage. More importantly, you must be able to demonstrate a proven record of success, be a proactive self starter, with a high customer service ethic. A key focus of the role will be the development of our existing distributor network along with identifying new business opportunities. A consultative and conceptual selling approach will aid your success which will be driven through your strong relationships with customers as you add real value to their business. In return we offer an excellent package to include a competitive salary, plus target based bonus scheme, company car and all the benefits associated with a successful market leader. Please send your application along with an up to date CV to: mbennett@vikan.co.uk
Paul McQuillan gives away another flyer created for window cleaning. This flyer is totally editable and comes in a Word document as well as PSD for those of you using Photoshop. Click the picture above to take you there. Sign up for free, for all Pauls templates.
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Sunday, 4 July 2010
Window Cleaning Association News + Win A House

The Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC) have put out a call for any window cleaners who would like to change their life style:Channel 4’s (UK) ‘The Village’ - New Series. Independent production company Studio Lambert are making a landmark series for Channel 4 where you could win a house! Families or couples who dream of a more idyllic life in the beautiful English countryside have the chance to make their dream a reality, and become mortgage-free in the process! If you are looking for a new home, or just a new start in a village community, call the team to find out more. Applicants should be genuinely interested in relocating and feel that they could offer something new or different to a thriving village community. Please visit our website link for more information on the programme, where you can also find an an application form to fill in here.
Individuals, couples or families who would love the opportunity to start a new life in the English countryside have the chance to win a three bedroom cottage located in an idyllic village in Yorkshire. The village is commuting distance from Leeds. The series will follow the participants as they move to the village for a week and sample their potential new life and home. During the week’s filming they will get involved in village life, meeting the residents and demonstrating to them why they would be a valued member their community. The local residents will then decide on who wins the home and becomes the newest resident of the village.
Participants must be over 18 and initially available to film for one to possibly three weeks during September or October. Anyone interested in applying must also realistically be able to relocate and start a new life in the village should they be lucky enough to win the competition. The villagers have expressed an interest in having a window cleaner as a member of their community, so there is all the more reason to apply!

The International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) would like to provide you with a free issue of its magazine, The Professional Window Cleaner. Just click here to take you to it's content. Additionally, you can use the links to immediately be re-directed to Web sites featured in the articles, advertisements and other features. The digital edition also features an archive search, making it easy to search for context in past issues with a single submission.This issue of the magazine is being sent to you directly in its new digital format that you may print out and read at your leisure, or may read online. The new edition is completely interactive; you can turn the pages on the screen, just like you would turn the pages of the hard copy of the magazine. Turn up the volume of your computer – you can hear the pages turn.
The "Master Window Cleaners of America" makes news this week as Jack Nelson steps down as President on personal issues and appoints Kraig Dyer of Bee Clean Services. Jack says "I am transferring ownership of MWCoA to Kraig Dyer, a window cleaner from Bedford, Texas who currently serves as the chairman of the advisory board. Kraig will assume the role of, and take the title of President of MWCoA as of July 1st. I did not sell the association. I transferred ownership and transferred funds to Kraig to continue the operation." "All current agreements will remain in place. The memberships that you have paid for will all be honored and we expect no change in the pricing structure at this time or the near future. Essentially, the organization will keep its structure it will simply have a new leader. Rest assured our mission remains unchanged." "I am confident he (Kraig) will bring new life and a new vision to the association. I ask that you continue to support us and offer Kraig the same support you have given me. MWCoA needs and appreciates your support."Friday, 21 May 2010
Chicago - From The Eyes Of A Window Washer



Chicago - From The Eyes Of A Window Washer: As a kid, Michael Kelly loved to go rock climbing. He found himself on the job hunt back in 2002. The perfect opportunity fell into his lap. Michael became a window washer. Today he scales the largest buildings in Chicago, making them shine window by window. But Michael isn't your ordinary window washer.
He carries an SLR camera, snapping images of the world most of us never get to see. He got the idea when he started showing friends and relatives his cell phone shots. They recommended he upgrade to a better camera. The result are breathtaking images he began uploaded to a Flickr account. Mike now has followers from all over the w
orld, each grabbing a tiny piece of Chicago by clicking through his PhotoStream. Given that he's 60 stories off the ground, Michael is privy to sections of architecture most of us never get to see. He's photographed Gargoyles that have been lurking over the city for 100 years, revealing their weathered facade from a century-worth of Chicago storms. He is currently assembling his best photos into a book, along with stories from his life on the job. Just today he launched a website showcasing his work here. Click the pictures to enlarge.

Don't forget, it's not too late to join the Master Window Cleaners of America Sponsored Event for today/tomorrow - May 21 & 22, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Express Airport, 11130 Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153. Hotel room rate is $69/night. Just mention the Window Cleaning Seminar when you call: 816-891-9111 to book your room. Activities will begin on Friday with a golf outing with a meet and greet/roundtable in the evening. Saturdays events go like this:
- Saturday sessions will be 9am-4pm
- Plan your vacation to the Midwest and come enjoy some great education
- Kansas City’s finest Bar-B-Q, and some awesome Midwest hospitality!
- Saturday lunch provided, Bar-B-Q of course.
If you are planning to attend please send us an email ASAP so the MWCoA can book rooms at the hotel and plan other details! showmecleaning@aol.com
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Window Cleaning Conference Makes The News

The MWCoA window cleaning conference made news... Pictured above: Don Chute, left, demonstrates window washing techniques for Gerd Fischer at the Best Western in Westminster Friday.
Master window cleaners come to Westminster for conference: Despite a persistent light rain, a group of about 15 window washers gathered outside the Best Western Inn and Conference Center in Westminster and went to work. They spent Friday afternoon cleaning the windows at the hotel while they practiced using a reverse osmosis and deionization system, which at least a few were considering purchasing. The demonstration took place on the first day of the Master Window Cleaners of America seminar, which is expected to draw more than 100 window cleaners from 17 states and Bermuda in Westminster today.
Those who arrived Friday took turns washing windows. Organization director Jack Nelson said hotel management agreed to waive the $500 fee for its conference room in exchange for having all its windows washed. Nelson agreed and spent Wednesday afternoon crouched near the front lobby hand-washing the glass near the check-in counter.
Master window cleaners come to Westminster for conference: Despite a persistent light rain, a group of about 15 window washers gathered outside the Best Western Inn and Conference Center in Westminster and went to work. They spent Friday afternoon cleaning the windows at the hotel while they practiced using a reverse osmosis and deionization system, which at least a few were considering purchasing. The demonstration took place on the first day of the Master Window Cleaners of America seminar, which is expected to draw more than 100 window cleaners from 17 states and Bermuda in Westminster today.Those who arrived Friday took turns washing windows. Organization director Jack Nelson said hotel management agreed to waive the $500 fee for its conference room in exchange for having all its windows washed. Nelson agreed and spent Wednesday afternoon crouched near the front lobby hand-washing the glass near the check-in counter.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Window Cleaning Conferences Tomorrow in Maryland

Window Cleaning Resource (WCR) has a seminar tomorrow in Maryland, Westminster with 120 people confirmed in attendance. It was decided to rent out the room next door to the convention advertised which they were originally booked for (see below) and put on an action packed seminar filled with amazing giveaways. Below is the schedule of events. WCR have all the best giveaways, speakers and topics. On top of that, Chris Lambrinides has brought down 150 copies of the 10 highest producing direct mail pieces of all time to give away to everyone that attends. Every one that attends the seminar will walk away with tons of new ideas, and a shed load of free products.
Cant make it? No problem they brought 3 live streaming cameras with them. You'll be able to watch the entire show from the comfort of your own home. But of course there is nothing like being there in person for the networking. Watch from the UK (2 p.m. GMT) or 9 a.m. onwards EST for folks in USA.
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It's not too late to get yourself to the Westminster Maryland Master Window Cleaners of America (MWCoA) conference tomorrow. Jack Nelson president of the MWCoA will be hosting tomorrows convention which also non-members can attend. A full list of events are planned and can be seen below. All details of where & how to get there can be found here. The show includes:- Advertising and The Art of Self Promotion
- Salesmanship
- Pure Water Education
- Hands on Waterfed Pole Demonstrations
- A Brief Review & Discussion on Fabrication Debris Issues
- Increase Income With Powerwashing as an Add-On
- Scratch Removal
- Over $1,000 in Free Door Prizes!
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Master Window Cleaner 2010 - Seth Fensterstock

This years winner of the Master Window Cleaners of America (MWCoA) is Seth Fensterstock of "Windows Only, " a window cleaner serving the NW Washington DC & surrounding area. Seth gets to win all manner of prizes being voted in by members of the MWCoA community seen here. The following is a history of how Seth made his climb up the ladder to achieve the success he now has with MWCoA....It all started in 1982-83. For a fourth grade report I had to write about what I wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote that I wanted to be a business owner. At the time, I didn’t know what kind of business.
Fast forward to 1991 when I graduated
high school. I was looking for a summer job and stumbled upon a newspaper ad looking for window cleaners, $8-$10 an hour. I applied and got the job as a residential window cleaner. The company trained me for two days at $8 an hour, and then sent me out on my own to estimate, clean the windows, and collect the money at the end. I received 30% for my wages and would only see the owner on Fridays when she would drive by the job to collect the weeks worth of checks and give me a couple new squeegee rubbers and refill my dawn dish soap. I was 17 years old and had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was that it seemed I was doing everything except getting the customers. After a week on the job, I knew that one day I would own my own window cleaning company. Problem was I was still just a kid and had no interest in anything but partying and causing trouble.A year later my Mom moved to Calabash, NC to retire. I followed and moved into an apartment with two friends. I found a job working for a mostly storefront window cleaning company called Windows Only in Myrtle Beach, SC. I found out a few months ago that our own John Lee used to be the Manager before I worked there. My manager, Chuck, was one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. He taught me to fan and use an extension pole. He also put up with me. Yes, I was a hard worker and did my job well, but I was just a young punk a** kid. I brought residential skills to the table and could climb a ladder like a monkey. I lived there for 4-5 years and would struggle to get through the winter every year.
It was about 1996 when I had had enough of the ups and downs of living in a tourist town. I was going nowhere fast!! (I had also had enough of the crazy girlfriend I was living with, but that’s a whole other story!) I decided to move back to my hometown in the Maryland suburbs of DC to start my own window cleaning business. When I moved back, I had nothing. I sold off some stuff to buy a bicycle, which was my only transportation. I moved into a good friend’s basement and got a job working in a bread bakery 5-6 days a week. The owners were nice enough to let me put my business cards out on the front counter, and that’s when it began.Soon after I accumulated a little cash I was able to buy a 50cc Honda scooter. I would clean storefront windows in the early mornings then go to work at the bakery from 11AM-7PM, 5-6 days a week. On my day(s) off, I would borrow a friend’s car to clean houses.
In 1998, I started dating an old high school friend, now my wife. She really was the one that got me to start thinking about my future, our future. I was just floating around. Sure I was working my butt off non-stop growing my business, but it wasn’t really a business. I knew nothing about business. Insurance? What’s that? To me up to this point it was always full time pay for part time work. But I wanted more.
In August of 1998, with my girlfriend’s help, I officially started Window Only LLC. I was still working at the bakery, but I was able to lower my hours as my business grew little by little. Eventually I was able to quit the bakery and clean windows full time. It was also around this time that I bought my first computer and found the IWCA and the Window Cleaning Network. I suddenly realized that I wasn’t the only window cleaner on the world.
I was still just getting by. It wasn’t until I got married, bought a house, and had my first kid that I realized I have to take this seriously, really seriously. I’m not a kid anymore. Yes, I’m a slacker, but a hard working slacker, if that makes any sense.
Since I’ve been involved in
different forums and associations I have learned tons about business and how to run a successful window cleaning company. I’m still getting there, and getting closer everyday. I have grown from a one-man operation with one bucket and a squeegee, to now having two full time employees and one part timer, along with my Wife who does most of the bookkeeping.I’ve also been able to help many window cleaners with my experiences of trial and error. I’m actually proud to say that I’m the reason a few friends of mine have their own window cleaning businesses. In fact one of them was just elected as a BOD for the IWCA.
For so many years I had to figure out things for myself. I’ve made lots of mistakes and have never claimed to know it all. I really enjoy networking and helping out my fellow window cleaners, and also to help further the professionalism in our industry. Once I can get my business to the level of running itself, my dream is to give back even more and help others start and operate successful window cleaning businesses with as little learning curve as possible.
I seriously can’t believe I was even in the running for Window Cleaner of the Year! There are so many great people in The Master Window Cleaners of America group and so many deserving of the title. Just to be thought of makes me extremely happy and proud. It’s very overwhelming to be voted the winner, and I only hope I can live up to the title.

Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Master Window Cleaners of America Seminar
Master Window Cleaners of America are putting on a Seminar in Tracy, California. A little late notice I know! The event is free & starts tomorrow October Thursday 8th and also Friday October 9th, 2009. This is a 2 day event in Tracy, California. Kicking off on Thursday October 8th; 11AM to Noon - "Meet and Greet," come early and meet the speakers and other window cleaners from across the nation.IMPORTANT: Confirm your attendance with the Director Here.
Featuring:
Dan Fields - The Foremost expert of fabricating debris and construction cleaning up. Dan will also be handing out window cleaning soap samples AND a set of FIELDS Instructional DVD's to the person who comes the farthest.
Craig Aldrich - IWCA Board Member speaking on hard water spot removal and how to increase your business.
Don Chute - World renown salesman and water fed pole expert speaking on both water fed pole for Eagle Power and salesmanship, customer retention and landing the sale.
Jack Nelson - Director of MWCoA speaking on advertising and the art of self promotion.
Tom Tumath - Of CWC Supply will be speaking on adding power washing to your business and water reclaim systems.
Harv Berger - From Titan Labs will speak on window cleaning chemicals and bringing samples for everyone who attends.
Jessica DeMaranville From MrLongArm demonstrating their ProCurve system. Also offering a ProCurve system as a door prize to anyone who tries the system out.
Jeff Flint Speaking on Hardwater stain removal and protective coatings.Possible prizes from Ettore, Pulex and Unger.
To book your individual room under the group rate you would just need to call the Fairfield Inn Tracy and reference the "Master Window Cleaners" to get the group discount. (Call for reservations here) Phone: 1-209-833-0135. MWCoA seminar attendees, only $69.99 per night. The regular price is $99.99 a night. Mention that you are with Master Window Cleaners of America and have a group rate of $64.99 . That's a room with 2 queen size beds. For $5.00 more, you can move up to a King and a sofa with a fridge and microwave oven.Click the schedule below to enlarge.
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